BASC IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

STRU 2008 STRUCTURES AND MODELLING II

MATLAB ASSIGNMENT: INFLUENCE LINES

Due Date and Time: Friday 30th March 2018 12 midnight

Introduction
This assignment seeks to assess the student’s understanding of Influence Lines in Structural
Analyses. The assignment combine the knowledge gained from class sessions as well as
programming / computer modeling techniques. The Student is expected to use programming and
write a code to solve the problem.

Programming Guidelines
• The Student will be required to use the MATLAB software in order to solve the problem
presented in this Brief.
• The program should be constructed for parametric use, i.e. the user can change the input
parameters such as the loads, member lengths, and support type.
• The output should be clearly shown and easily identifiable.

Instructions to Students

1. The Student is require to submit a report in hard copy, with the following contents:
I. Executive Summary
II. Introduction
III. Problem Statement
IV. Methodology (algorithm)
V. Analysis (sample calculations/ Code verification)
VI. Results (input/output)
VII. Appendix
a. Programming code
b. Instruction for use
c. Drawings (if any)
2. Clearly state ALL assumptions.
3. Soft copy submissions of reports must be made via CANVAS no later than MIDNIGHT on
Tuesday 2nd April 2018.
4. A soft copy of the programme written on a CD MUST accompany the hard copy of the report in a
paper/ plastic jacket. Both are to be placed in the Lecturer’s Submission Box in the foyer of the
Civil Engineering Department Office, no later than 4PM on Tuesday 2nd April 2018.

1
5. CDs should be labelled with the following information: Student Name, Student ID #, Course
Code, Submission Date.
6. Any submission after Friday March 30 2018 will be deemed LATE. Late submissions will incur
an immediate 10% deduction of the assignment mark and a further 5% deduction for each day
beyond the stipulated deadline.
7. Plagiarism will result in automatic failure of the Assignment.

Marking Scheme
• Written content 10 marks
• Methodology/ Analysis 30 marks
• Programme 25 marks
• Results 10 marks
75 marks

2
 ASSIGNMENT 3: INFLUENCE LINES

Problem

The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 (as shown in figure 1.1) has a top speed of 407 km/h and has a total
curb weight of 1,888 kg. The weight distribution per axel is 44.6% and 55.4% to the front and
rear respectively.

Figure 1.1

If this vehicle is traveling along a reinforced concrete bridge with a clear span 10m long,
determine the:

a) Maximum positive shear at a point B located at 2.5m from the left hand side of the
bridge due to the series of concentrated axel loads.

b) Maximum positive moment at a point C located at 4.5m from the left hand side of the
bridge due to the series of concentrated axel loads.

END OF ASSIGNMENT